When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading facial swelling, high fever with facial swelling or another life-threatening symptom.
What this symptom means
"Toothache" is a general term for pain in or around a tooth. Pain may be dull, sharp, throbbing or triggered by temperature, chewing or pressure. The pattern of pain can offer clues about the underlying cause, but it does not confirm a diagnosis on its own.
Common possible causes
- Dental decay reaching the inner layers of a tooth
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Inflammation or infection of the tooth's nerve
- Gum inflammation or gum disease near the affected tooth
- A tooth that has been recently restored or is under bite pressure
- Grinding or clenching that stresses tooth structure
- Exposed tooth roots after gum recession
- Referred pain from a neighboring tooth or sinus
Warning signs to take seriously
- Pain that wakes you at night or is not relieved by over-the-counter measures
- Facial or gum swelling near the affected tooth
- Pain accompanied by fever, chills or a general feeling of illness
- A bad taste in the mouth or drainage near the tooth
- Difficulty swallowing, opening the mouth or breathing
When it may be urgent
Rapidly worsening pain, spreading swelling, fever, difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing may indicate a dental or medical emergency and should be evaluated urgently. Call 911 for any life-threatening symptoms.
Safe temporary comfort measures
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers per the label, only if appropriate for you
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the cheek in short intervals
- Avoid very hot, very cold, sugary or hard foods on that side
What to avoid
- Placing aspirin or other tablets directly against the gum or tooth
- Attempting to drill, cut or 'drain' any area of the mouth
- Using another person's prescription medication
- Delaying evaluation when swelling, fever or trauma is present
How a dentist evaluates the problem
A dentist typically reviews your symptoms and health history, examines the teeth and gums and may take diagnostic images when clinically appropriate. Additional tests may check bite pressure, tooth vitality or sensitivity to temperature.
Possible treatment categories
Recommendations depend on the underlying cause and the results of an examination. Possible treatment categories may include:
- Filling, onlay or crown to address decay or fracture
- Root canal treatment when the inner tooth is inflamed or infected
- Extraction if a tooth cannot be predictably restored
- Gum treatment when the source is inflammation of surrounding tissue
- Bite adjustment or a night guard when grinding contributes to pain
Factors that can affect cost
- Type of procedure recommended after examination
- Whether diagnostic imaging is needed
- Number of teeth involved and their location
- Complexity of the underlying condition
- Whether follow-up restorations or specialist care are needed
Related dental services and resources
- Urgent dental care guidance
- General dentistry services
- Restorative dentistry options
- How dental costs work
- Warning signs of a dental abscess
Ready to have a dentist evaluate the concern?
Call (432) 999-4078 or use the appointment-request form to discuss your symptoms with the practice. Submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment; the office will follow up to confirm availability.
Frequently asked questions
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination by a qualified dental professional. Individual causes, symptoms, treatment options and recovery can vary.